Capacity concerns over proposed Newcastle West arts space

CONCERNS have been raised by councillors over the capacity of a proposed multi-functional arts and commercial space for Newcastle West.

The proposed development is for the change of use of existing buildings from commercial and residential to multi-functional community, arts, and commercial use at 112, 113, and 114 Maiden Street, Newcastle West.

Councillors were briefed on a Part 8 proposal for the project at the recent district meeting.

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins urged the Council to review the current capacity of 140 people at the design stage. He asked that they look to see if there is additional capacity that can be accommodated at a later stage.

“It’s my view that the capacity will be an issue. I know 140 seats is great, but I think that for a county town and for that centre, which will probably service West Limerick and parts of North Kerry as well, that the capacity will be an issue,” Cllr Collins insisted.

“As somebody involved in the arts all my life, attending various concerts and plays and whatnot, that might be an issue. I know there are possibilities of further properties maybe coming on stream at some stage, so again I’m asking the question, is there a possibility in terms of increased capacity?”

Cllr Collins was informed by the local authority that additional capacity is something they can look to accommodate, but pointed out that they are within the constraints of a site.

Cathaoirleach of Newcastle West district, Cllr Liam Galvin, agreed that capacity would be an issue at the proposed arts space. Getting in larger acts, he warned, would be a problem as they would not get the financial gain from it.

“I do think capacity should be looked at in the detailed design,” he said.

The Fine Gael man also raised concerns about parking and took the view that it is an issue that needs to be explored by the local authority for all future developments.

“Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, parking is going to be an issue. What’s there at the moment. is a disaster anyway,” Galvin declared.

Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan also expressed his concerns about the lack of parking on Maiden Street.

“It’s great to see this street being renewed, it has so much potential. However, I share the concerns around parking, particularly daytime parking. If there’s an event in the afternoon, parking will be an issue,” he warned.

Cllr Collins took the view that they were “getting a bit excited about the parking”. The only time there would be an issue with parking, he suggested, would possibly be the evening time when most events would be taking place.

Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan considered the proposed facility a wonderful space for the West Limerick market town. Sheahan, who previously called for an arts centre for Newcastle West, was happy to propose the Part 8 procedure before members at their monthly meeting. It was seconded by Cllr Collins.